An urgent appeal has been launched in the hunt for a 30-year-old woman who vanished two months ago in Essex. Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto was last seen in Brightlingsea on March 4, and police are now urging residents to check sheds, garages, and outbuildings for any sign of her.
Final Sighting and Key Details
The last confirmed sighting of Vitoria was captured on CCTV at 12:16 am on March 4, as she climbed over a fence into a boatyard in Brightlingsea. Police believe that around the same time, a boat was unmoored from the site. Hours later, at approximately midday on March 4, a drifting boat was discovered near Bradwell-on-Sea, almost 10 nautical miles away.
Since she was reported missing, officers have recovered only a white shoulder bag on March 9 and a laptop belonging to her on March 14. No further trace of Vitoria has been found despite extensive searches.
Fresh Appeal to Residents
Detectives have now launched a fresh appeal to residents in the Bradwell area, amid fears that Vitoria may have reached the shoreline by boat. The area has been thoroughly searched, including with air support, and all available CCTV has been carefully reviewed. Locals are being urged to check any sheds, garages, outbuildings or enclosed spaces where someone may have sought shelter.
Investigators also revealed confusion over Vitoria’s bank activity. While normal spending continued until March 3, police say all transactions after that date were linked to pre-planned subscriptions.
Police Statement
Detective Superintendent Anna Granger said: “We would ask residents, particularly in Bradwell but indeed also Brightlingsea, to check sheds, garages and outbuildings on their properties. Even the smallest piece of information could be important.
“If you believe you saw Vitoria or have information that you have not yet shared with us, please come forward.
“Over the past two months, teams have carried out extensive physical searches and detailed investigative work, including pursuing reported sightings for provenance and further substantiation while also working internationally to get information that may help us build a full picture of her movements and circumstances.
“As part of the financial investigation, we have so far received a limited number of transactions. Further information has been requested, and officers remain ready to receive and assess any additional data as soon as it becomes available.”
She added: “At the heart of all of this work is Vitoria and her loved ones. This continues to be a distressing time for her family and friends, and they remain at the forefront of our thoughts.
“Although significant work has already taken place, the passage of time does not lessen the importance of new information coming forward.”
